Thumbs up, thumbs down

February 7, 2014

Thumbs up to the Armstrong City Council for taking a long-term proactive approach to improving the city's infrastructure. This week the council discussed improvements to the city lagoon. Plans for street improvements are also in the future. It takes vision to see beyond a community's immediate needs and Armstrong is doing just that.

Thumbs up to all the volunteers, talent, celebrity servers and judges who are part of the second annual CAASA Idol March 8 at the Estherville VFW. Particular thanks should go to Michelle Howing who has the daunting task of putting the event together. Last year's event raised $10,000 to help victims of abuse and sexual assault. Let's hope that amount is far surpassed this year.

Thumbs up to the Black Knights Car Club for the $10,000 in donations it has given to nonprofit groups and to benefits for persons in need since the club re-formed in 2006. Originally founded in 1955, the club has some of its original members. Anyone who would like to join can come to meetings held at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Estherville VFW trophy room.

Thumbs up to North Union for holding student retreats, first one at the start of this school year for freshmen, and another Feb. 13 for sophomores and juniors and another for seniors Feb. 14. The "Respect Retreats" for freshmen through juniors are to help students empathize with each other and to get students from the various school districts to work together. It's also a very proactive approach by North Union school administration and staff that's guaranteed to go a long way toward making a much smoother transition into a bigger, better school.

Thumbs up to the Emmet County Cattlemen who are holding their banquet tonight at the Estherville Elks Lodge. The prime rib supper is from 5-7 p.m. with a dance at 8.

Thums up to the Estherville Electric Disibution and Generation Department as well as the water department. In reports to city council, both utilities talked about the work they put in throughout the year to make sure the city has electricity and clean water. Thanks for all you do.

Thumbs up and good luck to the area wrestlers as they head to sectional wrestling meets today. The top two wrestlers in each bracket advance to next week's district meet and those winners advance to state.